Solid or liquid fuel burner

You must obtain a building consent to install or move all solid and liquid fuel space heaters in your home.

Once it is installed or moved, you should obtain a code compliance certificate before the appliance is used. While you do not need a building consent to replace a flue or firebricks with comparable materials, your work will still need to comply with the building code(external link). Installing a heat pump does not require a building consent but must be installed by registered electricians who certify their own work.

Applying for building consent

Most burners shown on the list of authorised appliances(external link) have had their installation instructions checked and approved by the Council. Note: The rules around which solid fuel burner you can install are changing (when within a clean air zone and in sites less than two hectares).

If you have an old, non-compliant wood burner, you can only replace this with an ultra-low emission burner. If you have a compliant low emission burner less than 20 years in age, then you can replace this with a new compliant low emission burner (until 1 January 2019).

From 1 January 2019 any new burner installed must be an ultra-low emission burner.

The application form requires a full plan of the house to be provided, showing the location of the burner and position of smoke detectors that may be required. The plan must include any sleep out on the property and, if an oil burner is used, show the position and details of the storage tank.

Your application can be processed promptly if the form is filled out completely and accurately and your burner is on ECan’s list of authorised appliances.

Proof of ownership - a current copy of the certificate of title (less than six months old).

Once your building consent is issued you can install your heating appliance. Remember, do not use it until it has passed a Council inspection and you have received your code compliance certificate.

When you have obtained your code compliance certificate, you can use your heating appliance.

Installing a second hand solid or liquid fuel burner

Second hand solid and liquid fuel burners cannot be installed unless:

A current Clean Air approval label is attached to the appliance. This is not applicable to some minor rural areas of Christchurch.

Written evidence is provided to show that the appliance meets building code requirements. An acceptable method is a satisfactory report from the manufacturer or manufacturer’s agent.

A new inner flue is required in all cases.

Other heating systems requiring building consent

Heating systems that require building consent also include:

Any system using reticulated water, like under floor heaters or radiators where these are connected to the potable water supply.

All commercial heating and ventilation systems.

Heaters that do not require building consent are:

Gas heaters (permanently fixed in place) do not need a building consent, but they must be installed or supervised by a certifying gas fitter who will certify their own work.

Fixed electric space heaters, including heat pumps, do not require building consent, but they must be installed by registered electricians who certify their own work.

Amending your consent for a solid or liquid fuel burner

If you decide make changes to your consent (such as changing the make or model of your burner) then you will need to make a formal application for amendment. The fee as stated on our Building Consents Fee Schedule will need to accompany the application.

Older-style wood burners

An older-style wood burner is not permitted for use, regardless of its age. It can be replaced by an ultra-low emission burner. Contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 324 636 (0800 ECINFO) if you are unsure about what type of burner you have or if you are worried about your home heating situation.

Chimney or flue height requirements when installing a fire or wood burner

If you want to find out about standards around installation so that you can comply these are contained in AS/NZ2918. (external link)

Sometimes this can be complex, so we recommend you consult an experienced heating appliance installer. This standard contains information such as flue heights and appliances clearances. Manufacturer’s installation instructions should be followed.